Sub rack based vertical housing for computer systems

ABSTRACT

A structure for vertically housing multiple computer systems is disclosed. The structure includes a bottom support member and a top support member substantially parallel to the bottom support member. The top support member is attached to the bottom support member by two side members. Bottom guides are mounted to the bottom support member, and top guides are mounted to the top support member. The top guides are substantially parallel to the bottom guides and are substantially aligned with the bottom guides. A computer system having a top groove and a bottom groove slides into a computer space in between the top support member and the bottom support member by having the top groove align with a top guide and by having the bottom groove align with a bottom guide to provide a fitting relationship. The computer system slides into the computer space to a non-backplaned rear.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No.09/955,562 entitled “Sub Rack Based Vertical Housing for ComputerSystems,” filed Sep. 18, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,080, which isrelated to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.60/234,858, entitled “Method and apparatus for rack mounting processorsfor use in high performance and high availability computing,” filed Sep.22, 2000, which are both hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to housings for computer systems, andis more particularly directed toward structures for vertically housingmultiple computer systems.

BACKGROUND

Typically large racks are used to hold multiple computer systems.Generally, a user needs tools and time to place a computer system intosuch a rack, or to remove a computer system. It is desirable to providestructures for holding computer systems, to provide structures for thecomputer systems themselves that allow the computers to be moreefficiently placed into and/or removed from a rack, or to meet necessarydensity requirements.

As the size and complexity of software grows, the ability of a singlecomputer to handle all of the requirements associated with the softwarediminishes. One way to handle these increasingly complex softwaresystems is to use a group of computers working together. A group ofcomputers working together in a distributed computer system is referredto as a cluster. Computer clusters are an increasingly popularalternative to more traditional computer architectures andsupercomputers.

The trend in high-performance computing is to move away from specializedplatforms, such as mainframes or shared-memory supercomputers, tocomputer clusters—general purpose systems consisting of loosely coupledcomponents built up from single or multi-processor workstations or PCs.This approach has a number of advantages including that of being able tobuild a platform at a reasonable cost when compared to the alternatives.

Each individual computer of the cluster is referred to as a node. Nodesof a cluster work together as a single entity or in groups tocooperatively provide processing power and mass storage.

The nodes are interconnected to provide a single computing system. Withthe distributed computing system of a cluster, the processing load isspread over more than one computer, which may eliminate points offailure that could cause a single computer to abort execution.

Advances in computer networking and microprocessor performance aremaking clustering an appealing vehicle for cost effective parallelcomputing. Clusters built using relatively inexpensive hardware andsoftware components are playing a major role in redefining the conceptof supercomputing.

It should be understood that groups of computers are not necessarilypart of a cluster, but may simply be grouped together for some otherreason. For example, many web site hosting providers have multiplecomputers close together that are hosting the web sites of variouscompanies. These computers are usually close together because they areat the same location and to make it easier to support and maintain thecomputers. Thus, although groups of computers working together in adistributed computing system are referred to as a cluster, a group ofcomputers together does not necessarily mean that the computers are partof a cluster.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A structure for vertically housing multiple computer systems isdisclosed. The structure includes a bottom support member and a topsupport member substantially parallel to the bottom support member. Thetop support member is attached to the bottom support member by two sidemembers. Bottom guides are mounted to the bottom support member, and topguides are mounted to the top support member. The top guides aresubstantially parallel to the bottom guides and are substantiallyaligned with the bottom guides. A computer system having a top grooveand a bottom groove slides into a computer space in between the topsupport member and the bottom support member by having the top groovealign with a top guide and by having the bottom groove align with abottom guide to provide a fitting relationship. The computer systemslides into the computer space to a non-backplaned rear.

In embodiments disclosed herein, the structure may further comprise aplurality of integrated semi-locking mechanisms. Each bottom guide mayinclude an indentation to mate with a projection of the bottom groove toachieve an integrated semi-locking mechanism.

The structure may include a non-backplaned rear that is substantiallyopen to allow access to the computer systems.

In embodiments discussed below, the structure may include five bottomguides and five top guides to provide five guide pairs. Five computersystems may be removably slid into the structure wherein each computersystem slides along a guide pair.

The structure may be used with various kinds of computer systems and forvarious reasons. For example, the structure may be used to house nodesof a cluster in a distributed computing system.

A computer system is also disclosed for vertical placement in a computersystem structure. The computer system includes a processor and acommunications component in electronic communication with the processorfor electronic communications. A non-backplaned communications port isalso included in electronic communications with the communicationscomponent for electronic communications. The computer system alsoincludes memory in electronic communication with the processor forstoring data. A housing houses the processor, the communicationscomponent and the memory. The housing is substantially rectangular andincludes a top, a bottom and a rear. The top includes a top groove andthe bottom includes a bottom groove. The top and bottom grooves aresubstantially parallel and aligned so that the computer system may bevertically placed into the computer system structure by sliding thecomputer system along a pair of guides of the computer system structurealigned with the grooves of the housing. The computer system slides backto the rear such that the non-backplaned communications port isaccessible.

In embodiments of the computer system disclosed herein the housing maybe substantially enclosed. Further, the bottom groove may include aprojection to mate with an indentation of the computer system structure.The computer system may be used as a node of a cluster.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments will become more fully apparent from thefollowing description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict onlytypical embodiments and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting ofthe invention's scope, the embodiments will be described with additionalspecificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective and partial cutaway view of an embodiment of asub rack in a rack;

FIG. 2 is a perspective and partial cutaway view of another embodimentof a sub rack;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rack that includes five sub racks;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a rack that includes one sub rack;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a rack that includes two sub racks;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of a rack that includes one sub rack;

FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of a semi-locking mechanism;

FIGS. 8A-8D are close-up cross-sectional views of other embodiments ofsemi-locking mechanisms; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of hardware components that may be used in anembodiment of a computer node.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments asgenerally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of thesystem and method of the present invention, as represented in theFigures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, asclaimed, but is merely representative of the embodiments of theinvention.

An embodiment of a structure for vertically housing multiple computersystems is disclosed. Multiple computer systems may be placed togetherin a rack, cabinet, enclosure, etc., for various reasons. One example isthat of web site hosting providers that have multiple computers closetogether to host the web sites of various companies. These computers areusually close together because they are at the same location and also tomake it easier to support and maintain the computers. However, thesesystems are not typically part of a cluster, but are simply separatecomputer systems housed in a common rack or location. The embodimentsherein may be used with computer systems in general and are not limitedto being used with clusters. Accordingly, the embodiments herein mayeasily be used to house computer systems that are not operating in adistributed computing environment (i.e., a cluster).

The structure for vertically housing multiple computer systems may beembodied in various forms and through various materials. FIG. 1 is aperspective view of an embodiment of the structure being used incombination with a rack 19. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 isreferred to herein as a sub rack 20. The sub rack 20 includes a bottomsupport member 22 and a top support member 24 connected to each otherthrough two side members, a first side member 26 and a second sidemember 28. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various ways inwhich these components may be made. In addition, there are a number ofways in which these components may be connected. For example, thecomponents may be connected through the use of fasteners (screws, swedgemounted nuts, clips, etc.), or through welding, etc.

The bottom support member 22 includes a plurality of bottom guides 30mounted to the bottom support member 22. Similarly, the top supportmember 24 includes a plurality of top guides 32 mounted to the topsupport member 24. In the embodiment of the sub rack 20 shown in FIG. 1,the top support member 24 and the bottom support member 24 aresymmetrical such that the top guides 32 align with the bottom guides 30.The open space between the top and bottom support members 24, 22 andbetween the side members 26, 28 is used for holding computer systems 34.

In one embodiment, the guides 30, 32 may be made out of ultra highmolecular weight polyethylene. Alternatively, the guides 30, 32 may bemade out of nylon, delron, aluminum, or any variety of plastics ormetals. The guides 30, 32 may be cut, milled, molded, or formed invarious other ways, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.The guides 30, 32 may be attached via screws threaded into the material.Inserts may also be used. Alternatively, an adhesive may be used toattach the guides 30, 32 to the support members 22, 24. In addition, theguides 30, 32 may be an integral part of the support members 22, 24.

The computer system 34 includes a housing 36 for the components of thecomputer system 34. As shown, the housing 36 is substantiallyrectangular and includes a top 38, a bottom 40 and a rear. The top 38includes a top groove 42 that allows a top guide 32 to fit therein andslide therethrough. Similarly, the bottom 40 includes a bottom groove 44that allows a bottom guide 30 to fit therein and slide therethrough. Inoperation, to place a computer system 34 into the sub rack 20, a userfirst aligns the top groove 42 with a top guide 32 and aligns the bottomgroove 44 with a bottom guide 30 and then the user simply slides thecomputer system 34 into the sub rack 20. Matching guides 30, 32 are usedfor a particular computer system 34. For example, the first top guide 32from the right is used in conjunction with the first bottom guide 30from the right to slide a computer system 34 into the sub rack 20. Thesecond guide 32 is used in conjunction with the second bottom guide 30,and so forth. Through the use of the guides 30, 32 and the sub rack 20,the computer system 34 is vertically placed into the sub rack 20. Aplurality of computer systems 34 may all be placed vertically in the subrack 20 in a side-by-side fashion.

The housing 36 may be made using standard manufacturing techniques knownby those skilled in the art. Different types of materials may be usedfor the housing 36 including a variety of plastics, metals, etc. Forexample, cold rolled steel, aluminum or aircraft aluminum may be used.These different materials may be formed, machined, molded, etc. to formthe housing 36.

As discussed, multiple computer systems 34 may be used together in acluster. When computer systems 34 are part of a cluster, they may bereferred to as nodes. Thus, a node is a computer system 34, but acomputer system 34 is not necessarily serving as a node. The embodimentsherein may be used with clusters, but are not limited to this kind ofenvironment. For illustrative purposes, the computer system 34 may alsobe referred to as a node.

In the embodiments herein, the computer system or node 34 slides back tothe rear of the sub rack 20 which is a non-backplaned rear. The termnon-backplaned rear means that there is not a backplane along the rearof the sub rack 20 that the computer or node 34 would need to plug intoor slide into to enable electronic communications with other componentsalso in communication with the backplane. The sub rack 20 issubstantially open in the rear and hence includes a non-backplaned rear.The openness of the non-backplaned rear will be illustrated in FIG. 6.

Typically the computer or node 34 slides smoothly along the guides 30,32 into the node space. Because there is no backplane, the node 34 (moregenerally the computer) may slide when it is undesirable. A semi-lockingmechanism may be provided to provide some means for the node 34 to besemi-locked into position. An integrated semi-locking mechanism may beused. As shown, each bottom guide 30 includes an indentation 46 to matewith a projection in the bottom groove 44 that provides a semi-lockingmechanism that does not require tools to put the node 34 in place. Auser simply slides the node 34 into the node space until the projectionfits into the indentation 46 and seats itself 34 into place. To unlockthe node 34, a user slightly lifts and then pulls the node 34 enough tobring the projection out of the indentation 46 thus allowing freesliding of the node 34.

As will be illustrated in FIG. 3, the sub rack 20 may be placed into alarger rack, sometimes referred to as a modular rack, a data rack or acabinet. Depending on the height and/or size of the rack and the size ofthe nodes 34, various numbers of nodes 34 may be placed into a sub rack20. One standard rack size is a 19-inch rack. The sub rack 20 may bedesigned to fit into any sized rack, including the 19-inch rack. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, five guides 30 are placed on the bottomsupport member 22 and give guides 32 are placed on the top supportmember 24 to allow five nodes 34 to be placed into the sub rack 20. Ofcourse, other sizes and configurations of nodes 34 and sub racks 20 maybe used.

FIG. 2 is a perspective and partial cutaway view of a sub rack 220 thatmay include up to eight nodes 236 through use of the eight top guides232 and eight bottom guides 230. As shown, the embodiment of FIG. 2 doesnot include a semi-locking mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rack 302 that includes five sub racks20. Each sub rack 20 shown in FIG. 3 includes five nodes 34. The rack302 shown in FIG. 3 is a standard 19-inch rack that is commerciallyavailable.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various ways in which a subrack 20 may be placed into the rack 302. For example, the sub rack 20may be connected to the rack through the use of screws, bolts, etc.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a rack 402 that includes one sub rack 420. Thesub rack 420 shown in FIG. 4 includes seven nodes 34.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a rack 502 that includes two sub racks 20.Each sub rack 20 shown in FIG. 5 includes five nodes 34. The rack 502shown in FIG. 5 is a standard 19-inch rack (also referred to as anelectronic cabinet or enclosure) that is commercially available.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a rack 602 that includes one subrack 20. The sub rack 20 shown in FIG. 6 includes five nodes 34. Asshown, each node 34 includes a non-backplaned rear 604. Variouselectronic connections may be made at the non-backplaned rear 604. Oneor more non-backplaned communications ports 606 may be used on each node34 for establishing electronic communications with other nodes 34 andcomponents. For example, connectors and cabling commonly used withcomputer network interface cards may be used to enable electroniccommunications within the cluster. For example, the connections may beserial, parallel, high speed, fiber optic, USB, etc.

FIG. 7 is a close-up cut-away view of the semi-locking mechanism. Asshown, each bottom guide 30 may include an indentation 46 to mate with aprojection 702 in the bottom groove 44 that provides a semi-lockingmechanism that does not require tools to put the node 34 in place. Theuser simply slides the node 34 into the node space until the projection702 fits into the indentation 46 and the node 34 seats itself intoplace. To unlock the node 34, a user simply either pushes or pulls thenode 34 enough to bring the projection 702 out of the indentation 46thus allowing free sliding of the node 34.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate close-up cross-sectional views of otherembodiments of semi-locking mechanisms. In the embodiment shown in FIG.8A, each bottom guide 830 a may include an indentation 846 a to matewith a projection 802 a in the bottom groove 844 a that provides thesemi-locking mechanism. In operation, the user simply slides the nodeinto the node space until the projection 802 a fits into the indentation846 a and the node seats itself into place. To unlock the node, a usersimply slightly lifts and then pulls the node enough to bring theprojection 802 a out of the indentation 846 a thus allowing free slidingof the node.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 8B illustrates each bottom guide 830 bincluding two indentations 846 b to mate with two projections 802 b inthe bottom groove 844 b that provide the semi-locking mechanism. Theembodiment shown in FIG. 8C illustrates each bottom guide 830 cincluding an indentation 846 c with a different shape than theindentation of FIG. 8A. The projection 802 c in the bottom groove 844 cthat provides the semi-locking mechanism is of a shape to fit into theindentation 846 c. FIG. 8D illustrates two projections 802 d and twoindentations 846 d.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of hardware components that may be used in anembodiment of a node 34. As stated, the node 34 is simply a computersystem 34 operating in a clustered environment. Many different types ofcomputer systems may be used to implement the node 34 illustratedherein. The diagram of FIG. 9 illustrates typical components of a node34 including a processor 902, memory 904, a storage device 906, an inputinterface 908, and an output interface 910. One or more communicationports 912 may also be included in the node 34. It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that more components may be included in thenode 34. For example, several input interfaces 908 may be included, suchas interfaces for a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, etc.In addition, several output interfaces 910 may be included suchinterfaces for a monitor, speakers, a printer, etc. Thus, those skilledin the art will appreciate that additional components may be added tothe node 34 without detracting from the functionality to serve as a node34.

The node 34 may include components typically found in desktop computersand that are commercially available. However, it will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the node 34 computer is a broadly defineddigital computer. A computer, as used herein, is any device thatincludes a digital processor capable of receiving and processing data.In current design, the node 34 typically is an IBM-compatible personalcomputer running the Linux operating system. Of course, other types ofcomputers with different operating systems may be used. For example, anApple computer or a UNIX workstation may be used as the node 34, or anIBM-compatible computer running the Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000 or NToperating system may be used.

The node 34 may use one or more communication ports 912 to communicatewith the other nodes 34 and/or with other components. Standardcommunication packages and protocols are known by those skilled in theart for communicating through communication ports 912. The communicationports 912 used on the rear 604 of the node 34 are non-backplanedcommunication ports. Thus, the open rear portion of the sub-rack 20 andof the rack 602 allows users to make necessary connections between thenodes 34 at the rear of the rack.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative,and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A structure for vertically housing multiplecomputer systems for use in high-performance computing, the structurecomprising: a bottom support member; a plurality of bottom guidesmounted to the bottom support member; a top support member substantiallyparallel to the bottom support member; and a plurality of top guidesmounted to the top support member, wherein a computer system slides intoa computer space in between the top support member and the bottomsupport member.
 2. A structure for housing nodes of a cluster in adistributed high-performance computer system, the structure comprising:a bottom support member; a top support member substantially parallel tothe bottom support member; and wherein the bottom support member and thetop support member are configured such that a node slides into a nodespace in between the top support member and the bottom support member tobe placed in a vertical orientation.
 3. A computer system for verticalplacement in a computer system structure, the computer systemcomprising: a processor; a communications component in electroniccommunication with the processor for electronic communications; acommunications port in electronic communications with the communicationscomponent for electronic communications; memory in electroniccommunication with the processor for storing data; and a housing for theprocessor, the communications component and the memory, the housingbeing substantially rectangular, the housing being configured such thatthe computer system may be vertically placed into the computer systemstructure by sliding the computer system into the computer systemstructure.
 4. The computer system as defined in claim 3, wherein thehousing is substantially enclosed.
 5. A node for vertical placement in anode structure, the node comprising: a processor; a communicationscomponent in electronic communication with the processor for electroniccommunications; a communications port in electronic communications withthe communications component for electronic communications; memory inelectronic communication with the processor for storing data; and astructure for the processor, the communications component and thememory, the structure being substantially rectangular whereby the nodemay be vertically placed into the node structure by sliding the nodeinto the node structure.
 6. The node as defined in claim 5 wherein thestructure comprises a housing that is substantially enclosed.
 7. Astructure for vertically housing multiple computer systems for use inhigh-performance computing, the structure comprising: a bottom supportmember; a plurality of bottom guides mounted to the bottom supportmember; a top support member substantially parallel to the bottomsupport member; and a plurality of top guides mounted to the top supportmember, wherein a computer system including standardcommercially-available components slides into a computer space inbetween the top support member and the bottom support member to anon-backplaned rear.
 8. A structure for housing nodes of a cluster in adistributed high-performance computer system, the structure comprising:a bottom support member; a top support member substantially parallel tothe bottom support member; and wherein the bottom support member and thetop support member are configured such that a node including standardcommercially-available components slides into a node space in betweenthe top support member and the bottom support member to be placed in avertical orientation to a non-backplaned rear.
 9. A computer system forvertical placement in a computer system structure, the computer systemcomprising: a processor; a communications component in electroniccommunication with the processor for electronic communications; anon-backplaned communications port in electronic communications with thecommunications component for electronic communications; memory inelectronic communication with the processor for storing data; and ahousing for the processor, the communications component and the memory,the housing being substantially rectangular, the housing beingconfigured such that the computer system may be vertically placed intothe computer system structure by sliding the computer system into thecomputer system structure housing whereby the computer system slidesback such that the non-backplaned communications port is accessible. 10.The computer system as defined in claim 9 wherein the housing issubstantially enclosed.
 11. A node for vertical placement in a nodestructure, the node comprising: a processor; a communications componentin electronic communication with the processor for electroniccommunications; a non-backplaned communications port in electroniccommunications with the communications component for electroniccommunications; memory in electronic communication with the processorfor storing data; and a housing for the processor, the communicationscomponent and the memory, the housing being substantially rectangular,the housing including a top, a bottom and a side, the top and the bottombeing substantially parallel and aligned whereby the node may bevertically placed into the node structure by sliding the node into thenode structure whereby the computer system slides back to the rear suchthat the non-backplaned communications port is accessible.
 12. The nodeas defined in claim 11 wherein the housing is substantially enclosed.